Sep 13 Four Tips When Booking Two Different Venues for Ceremony and Reception

1. ProximityThis one may be obvious, but is arguably the most important. Don’t have your guests (and you!) running across town to make it from the ceremony to reception. This will lift some of the strain off of your timeline, making it less likely you will have to sacrifice something, especially if wedding photos are being taken at the ceremony venue. If your reception venue is close by, you give your photographer and family members more time to assemble, and there’s less pressure to rush along—if the next venue is far and you’re behind schedule, you may have to sacrifice things you may end up regretting (like a first look or some family portraits, or another ritual). Do yourself a favor and make sure the venues are neighbors.

2. AestheticYou put a lot of thought into the decorations and color palate of your big day, so try and find a reception venue that keeps it continuous—light and airy; dark and mood; bold colors; muted pastels; floral; metallic. Having continuity sets expectations for yourself, your photographer, and your guests, and makes for a stunning wedding album later.

3. CommunicationLet your guests know there’s a change of venue headed their way! You can note it on the invitation, put a reminder on your website, and send a friendly email reminder, too. A stranded aunt, cousin, or friend rushing to find the right venue will only add stress, so communicate it early and often!

4. Partner VenuesIf you don’t know where to start, ask your ceremony venue who they recommend for the reception (or vice versa). Chances are they have vendors they know and trust, and there may even be a discount for booking in the same network. Doesn’t hurt to ask!